Can Starmer reset Britain’s relationship with the EU?
Aug 28, 2024
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Macron join the conversation as the UK tries to reset ties with the EU. They discuss a new defense agreement between the UK and Germany, underscoring the dynamics post-Brexit. The impact of the Ukraine war on defense spending and how it reshapes UK-EU relations is a key highlight. Meanwhile, the Labour government grapples with financial strategies to attract investors. Plus, whispers about Peter Mandelson's potential role in the US raise questions about future diplomacy.
The newly announced UK-Germany treaty aims to enhance defense cooperation while addressing critical issues like illegal migration and intelligence sharing.
Despite optimistic discussions about resetting UK-EU relations, significant structural challenges hinder substantive changes in trade agreements and policies.
Deep dives
The Significance of the New UK-Germany Treaty
A newly announced treaty between the UK and Germany aims to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including defense, technology, and illegal migration. This treaty is being presented as a significant opportunity, referred to as a 'once in a generation' chance to improve life for working people in both countries. While its focus leans heavily on defense, there are also aspirations to address issues like intelligence sharing and tackling illegal migration effectively. Both countries are committed to supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the importance of this treaty for broader geopolitical stability.
Resetting UK-EU Relations: Challenges and Perceptions
Despite positive rhetoric about resetting relations between the UK and EU, significant structural obstacles remain that may limit the extent of this reset. The UK government's firm stances against rejoining the customs union or the single market indicate that fundamental changes to the existing agreements might not materialize. While there are talks of lessening trade barriers and improving cooperation in various areas, this appears to be more of a tonal shift rather than a substantive structural change. The EU has responded cautiously, highlighting the need for the UK to fulfill its current obligations before any new negotiations commence.
Defense Cooperation as a Key Area of Focus
Defense cooperation is highlighted as a primary area of focus in the UK-Germany treaty, granting the UK an avenue for bilateral negotiations while maintaining its autonomy from EU policies. This renewed emphasis on defense has emerged as Germany significantly increases its military spending in response to recent geopolitical challenges, particularly the conflict in Ukraine. The treaty offers both countries a platform to learn from one another, with the UK providing insights on effective defense spending and strategy. By bolstering defense ties, there is hope for incremental improvements in broader economic relations without crossing sensitive red lines set by both governments.
Addressing Illegal Migration through Collaboration
The treaty also addresses the pressing issue of illegal migration, a concern for both the UK and Germany as anti-migration sentiments rise in political circles. The collaborative approach aims to share intelligence and develop strategies to combat human trafficking and illegal crossings, which have become critical issues in recent years. By working together on this front, both governments seek to demonstrate their commitment to handling migration challenges effectively while balancing domestic political pressures. This focus on practical measures reflects a recognition of the complexities surrounding migration in the current political landscape.
Keir Starmer is in Berlin, this time for some real politics, not a football match. He’s meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, unveiling a new UK/Germany defence agreement. Later he’s heading to Paris to meet President Macron. The new government is on a charm offensive, with much lofty talk of a reset of UK/EU relations post-Brexit. But is that really possible? How much is just vibes? Lewis and Jon analyse what has happened and crucially what has not happened, and are joined in News Agents HQ by German Ambassador Miguel Berger.
We also talk about whether there’s any truth that Mr Mandelson might be going to Washington and Jon is shilling for his book again. What fun.
To enter Jon’s competition head over to www.waterstones.com/win/strangeland-prize-draw to find out more
Editor: Tom Hughes
Producers: Natalie Indge
Digital Editor: Michaela Walters
Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell
Video Production: Rory Symon & Shane Fennelly
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